The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-02-10
RELIEF CORPS NEWS.
Gleanings from National Headquar-
terS--NOteS from the Departments.
HEADQUARTERS WoMAN's RELIEF CORPS,
SAN Francisco, CAL

HEADQUARTERS woMAN's RELIEF CORPS,
SAN Francisco, CAL
ELIZABETH D'A. KINSE. National President
NELLIE q. BACKUs. National Secretary.
JAN. 2s. 1887.
send card Of acceptance in answer to the in
vitation We have this week received from Bos-
ton 10 luncheon for the 2sth, 10 be rendered
Comrade Luciss Fairchild Commander-in-
Chief of the Grand Army, in the name of the
National officers of the Woman's Relief Corps,
and a reception rendered by the Department
Of Massachusetts on the 9th. But though we
cannot be there in truth, we may in thought,
and we wish them full enjoyment Of this pleas
ant opportunity Of showing their appreciation
and esteem for one of the warmest friends Of
our Order
The National President has been closely con-
nected with the Department of California from
the hour of its birth, only two short years ago,
and while she does not approve Of one Depart
ment being upheld as an example TO Others
her intimate knowledge of its workings and
the great strides il has taken in its progress,
makes her feel that justice demands an honor
able mention Of its ways and means.
The Department officers OF the past and
present have attached deep Importance TO the
fact that ours is a charitable organization, and
while our Corps are scattered at wide distances
across the length and breadth Of the second
largest of these United States, they have all
been visited by competent officers, which IS
very essential TO healthy growth. The ex-
pense attached has been managed in such a
way that where the Corps have been small in
number and consequently small in means, they
have felt it not at all, and in any case but
lightly.
Our officers have never received one dollar Of
remuneration, but given their time and labor
willingly and freely, finding compensation in
the good accomplished; and il should be the
endeavor of Conventions 10 elect women in
such position that this is possible 10 them.
Mrs Sarah Pratt Carr, Department Inspector,
has travelled over more than three thousand
miles personally inspected "a Corps. 81 in Cali
fornia aud three in New Mexico, with no ex-
pense 10 local Corps the members having en-
tertained her individually, and with but small
expense 10 the Department.
Mrs ID. Jane Russell, Department President,
has won crown Of laurel in the esteem and adj
miration felt for her throughout the whole De-
partment, for the earnest and efficient manner
in which she has conducted affairs at Head
quarters During her administration the De-
partment has grown TO the number of 80 Corps,
an addition Of IA this year. all strong and -four
ishing, doing excellently well the work they
have undertaken.
Nothing can be more forcible and tangible
in charity; $500 have been turned over to
Posts, and although our per capita tax has been
but 10 cents per quarter the Department is
free from debt aud has upward Of $500 in the
general fund, over 500 in the relief fund,
and between 500 aud $500 worth Of supplies
on hand.
This has been accomplished through practic-
ing the closest economy, each President in
turn fitting up a room in her own house for
narfar hat 10 al "a
might be saved.
We feel the urgent necessity OF growing
funds, as each day the demands are increasing
and what profteth the shadow Of goodwill
and sympathy without the substance? Each
day the man who under ordinary circum.
stances at so would be hale and hearty, falls a
ready victim 10 the many ills that flesh is heir
TO, and the wife and children who have
hitherto struggled along on a pittance, per-
haps find themselves obliged TO rely upon the
tender mercies and charity of our Order. Then
let us be up and doing and ready 10 meet their
needs.
The National President hopes before the
close Of her administration 10 have established
a thorough system OF blanks and reports, all
Of which requires much time and attention, but
it is expected the benefits derived will be q
sufficient reward. EUREKA.
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT.
The following are some Of the decisions mad,
from time 10 time. in respose to queries from va
rious Corps and Department Headquarters, and
being Of general information are published for the
benefit of all concerned:
Query. Can Corps hold more than t,po funds?
Answer. The fourth National Convention hav.
ing decided that Corps should have no beneficiary
funds il is evident that the relief fund.- specified
in the Regulations as being for a specific purpose
and the gendrRl fund. which shall embrace al
others. the only funds that are contemplated
These the only funds for which blanks are fur
nished and reports made; while Corps are accu
mulaiing piano, hall, flag. other funds, they
should bc reported part of the general fund
/ but could be held by the Treasurer and itemizeC
| upon her books ia such manner may be intel
ligent 10 her. All moneys in the hands of In,
Corps should be accounted for Mt the end Of eacl
quarter and il IL evident that they must appear il
Of the two reports, provided for in th'
blanks.
Query. Can a Corps charge fee for diseharg
| or transfer Cardg
Answer. would say that while this and man,
other questions OF matters pertaining TO our Regu
lations might readily be settled IL our Ruthorit!
on decisions Deaths Blue Book was consulted
this question Is answered In the negative; and fur
the, the Bylaws Of any Corps fixing fee for
| transfer card discharge IL void Our Regula
lions, like those Of the Grand Army, state that Z"
member in good standing shall receive" etc. An,
IL IL possible 60 charge "A fee OF 20 cents th
majority Of a Corps might compel members TO re
main in their ranks by making such withdrawal
fee IS. $40. or even $50. Department President
should not approve any Corps by Laws containing
such provisions and IL any exist in any Corps
steps should be taken TO at once abrogaie the sam,
Department Gleanings.
DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK.
Officers of Hamilton Corps, No. IS. Poughkeepsi.
installed by Mrs. Quincy, Past President Pres
dent, Mrs. Perkins; S.V.-P., Mrs Spencer; J,V-P
Mrs. Dixon; Sec, Mrs. Gates; Treas. Mrs. Du Bots
Con, Mrs. Iaight; c., Mrs. Brink.
L. NJ. Wheeler Post and Corps. Saratoga Spring,
~. V, joint installation, large assemblage of visit
ors, some Of whom were from Ballsion Spaw an
Fort Edwards DIR. w. IL. Hall, of Saratoga, IA
stalled the officers Of the Post, and Mrs Martha A
Torrey, Of Albany, the officers OF the Corps: Pres
dent, Mrs. ii. T. Grubb S.V.-P., Nellie Belts;
Y.-P, Mary Il. Ensign; Treas, Annie Belts; Sec
Sarah simpson; Chap, Celia Weatherwax; Con
Kate Hall; A. e., Stella Simpson; g., Mrs s. l
Long; A. O., Sarah A. Lee At the supper, whic